Arsenal win FA Youth Cup tie to set up big-6 quarter-final clash | OneFootball

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Arsenal are set for a high-profile FA Youth Cup quarter-final against either Manchester United or Chelsea, after defeating Fulham in the round of 16.

Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter

Given the random nature of cup competitions, it doesn’t always work out that you face increasingly difficult opponents as the rounds progress, but that’s exactly how it’s gone for the Arsenal u18s so far.

The young Gunners kicked off their participation in this season’s FA Youth Cup with a 4-3 win over non-league Hertford Town’s u18 side, before beating Championship QPR’s academy team on penalties in the next round.

That earned Arsenal a last-16 tie away to Fulham, with the game taking place on Friday night.

Photo via Arsenal.com

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri remain absent for the u18s despite being eligible, given their first-team responsibilities. But star youngster Max Dowman is eligible to play in this competition as long as the opponent isn’t from non-league – given the complex age rules.

So Dowman started against Fulham, and he immediately looked bright with some positive early touches.

It was teammate Andre Harriman-Annous who gave Arsenal the lead on the night, his 13th goal in all competitions this season. Ife Ibrahim broke the Fulham press and played an excellent long ball forwards, and Harriman-Annous rounded the goalkeeper to convert.

13 minutes later, it was 2-0. This time it was Brayden Clarke with the long ball forward, and Dowman providing a confident finish with his weaker right foot.

Fulham pulled one back through a deflected effort in the 42nd minute, but the second half was much more controlled. Arsenal had the best opportunity with a penalty, but Dowman’s effort was saved. Fortunately, that didn’t matter, as the match finished 2-1.

Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter

The FA Youth Cup quarter-final draw took place shortly before Arsenal’s last-16 tie, with the Gunners getting a tasty home draw against either Manchester United or Chelsea.

We won’t know which of the two for a while yet, with their match scheduled for February 12th. But it’s going to be interesting either way.

Perhaps the more dramatic encounter would be United, given Chido Martin Obi’s summer transfer between the clubs. The former Arsenal striker has scored in both FA Youth Cup matches with his new side so far. Chelsea are always strong in these youth competitions though.

Arsenal u18 lineup vs Fulham

Porter, Clarke, Onyekachukwu, Sweet, Ogunnaike, Ibrahim, Julienne, Dowman, O’Neill, Harriman-Annous, Zecevic John

Substitutes

Salmon (for Ogunnaike, 66), Oyetunde (for Zecevic John, 89), Ranson, Murisa, Marciniak, Casey, Bailey-Joseph

What’s next?

The FA Youth Cup quarter-finals must be played by Saturday, March 8th, but they obviously won’t be until later this month given the wait for United to play Chelsea.

In the meantime, Arsenal return to u18 Premier League action with upcoming games against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, February 8th, Southampton on Saturday, February 15th, and potential cup opponents Chelsea on Tuesday, February 18th.